Sanchez scored 30 goals in 51 appearances for the Gunners last season, but is yet to agree to a new contract at the Emirates, and a number of top European sides are circling for the attacker ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also expressing a strong interest in Sanchez and Hasselbaink believes the Chilean’s team-mates at Arsenal hold the key to his future.

Ahead of Chile’s Confederations Cup clash with Portugal, ITV pundit Hasselbaink said: ‘He [Sanchez] is allowed to be a bit different or out of the group.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a massive fan of the Chile forward (Picture: Getty)

‘It’s the group’s responsibility to keep him intact and keep on stimulating him to be part of it.

‘I don’t know what [wages] he wants but if I was Arsenal I would do everything in my power to keep this young man.

Alexis Sanchez's Premier League season

Games played38Goals scored24Assists10

Share

‘He works that back four and makes space for others. It’s so important.’